1) Istanbul Dolphinarium in Eyup
Location: Eyup district
This is the largest indoor Dolphinarium in Europe. It is located in the Eyup district along the Golden Horn.
For more information visit:
2) Isfanbul Theme Park
Location: Eyup district
It is a huge complex containing a theme park, a shopping area as well as an entertainment area. This makes for a fun day for the entire family.
For more information visit:
https://istanbeautiful.com/isfanbul-theme-park-istanbul/
3) Sealife Istanbul
Location: Bayrampasa (Located in the Forum shopping centre)
This is the 5th largest aquarium in the world. The Sealife Aquarium in Istanbul has the 5th largest collection of sharks in Europe. This aquarium boasts an 83 metre glass tunnel with creatures such as the Bowmouth and Bonnethead sharks swimming above you. Walking through this tunnel truly puts you among the beauty and awe of the marine life that Allah has created.
For more information:
https://www.visitsealife.com/istanbul/en/
4) Istanbul Legoland Discovery Centre
Location: Bayrampasa (Located in the Forum shopping centre)
The Istanbul Legoland Discovery centre is designed for kids between the ages of 3-10 years old. If you have a LEGO fan at home this is certainly a must visit.
What to expect:
- Two LEGO rides
- 15 immersive LEGO play experiences
- LEGO 4D cinema
- Explore and see miniature iconic buildings built with LEGO
- Build cars and get tips on building with LEGO at the MODEL BUILDER ACADEMY
- LEGO Mini-Land
- LEGO shop and cafe
For more information:
https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/istanbul/en/
| Pro tip: View the above website for combo tickets for the Sea life Aquarium and the LEGOland Discovery Centre. It might be more cost effective than buying your tickets at the entrance. |
5) Istanbul Aquarium in Florya
Location: Florya neighbourhood of Bakirkoy district by the Marmara sea coast (Located by Aqua Florya Shopping Mall)
What to expect:
The Istanbul Aquarium in Florya is the world’s largest thematic aquarium (16 themes). Here you will be able to see marine life from the world’s rainforests to the Black Sea. You will also find a 5D cinema. The Istanbul Aquarium also has a restaurant that has the Panama Canal view on one side and the sea view on the other side.
According to: https://istanbeautiful.com/istanbul-aquarium/ below is the best way to get to the Istanbul Aquarium in Florya.
Free ShuttleThe most practical way to get to Istanbul Akvaryum is to take their Free Shuttle service, from Taksim Square, Sultanahmet and Sirkeci Train Station. The free shuttles are only available for the visitors who bought Istanbul Akvaryum tickets from Hop-on Hop-off, at the departure point. |
For more information:
https://www.istanbulakvaryum.com/en
6) Miniaturk, Istanbul Crystal Museum and Panorama Victory Museum
- Miniaturk
Miniaturk is an open air museum that showcases the miniature form (1/25 size of their real sizes) of the greatest landmarks and architectural monuments of Turkey. You will be able to see 62 models from Istanbul, 60 models from Anatolia and 13 models from the Ottoman territory outside of Turkey.
- Istanbul Crystal Museum
The Istanbul crystal museum is situated by Miniaturk. This is a 3D museum where you get to see historical landmarks of Istanbul in crystal glass with lights and high tech laser technology. You will get to see: Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Ciragan Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Fatih Mosque, Haydarpasa Train Station, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Building, Istanbul University, St. Antoine Church, Eyup Sultan Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Suleymaniye Mosque and July 15 Martyrs Bridge.
- Panorama 1543 Museum
The Panorama Victory Museum is also situated at the site of Miniaturk. This museum holds the title of being the world’s first full-panoramic museum. Here you can get to see and learn more about the conquest of Istanbul.
For more information: http://www.visitingistanbul.com/panorama-1453-history-museum.html
https://istanbeautiful.com/miniaturk-istanbul/
7) Madame Tussauds Istanbul Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds Wax museum and entertainment centre is located in Istiklal street. Here you will get to see life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities.
For more information:
https://istanbeautiful.com/madame-tussauds-istanbul-wax-museum/
8) Gulhane Park
This is the most famous park in Istanbul. There are also 3 museums on the same premises. These include the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, and 2 smaller museums: The Istanbul Museum of Science and Technology and the Ahmet Hamdi Tapinar Literature Museum.
9) Macka Park
This is a very popular park for running, walking and picnics on a sunny day. There are playgrounds here for the children as well as areas with exercise equipment.
10) Yildiz Park
From this park you can get stunning panoramic views of the Bosphorus. This park can get quite busy during the weekends. If you are feeling for a run then this park has a dedicated running track that you can use.
11) Sultanahmet Park
This park is located between the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. As this is a very touristy area you will find street vendors selling food if you are hungry and want to refuel.
12) Pierre Loti Hill
The easiest way to get here is to take the cable car which is called the Teleferik. There is a nice buzzing atmosphere at night at the top as there are a few restaurants overlooking the great lit up city of Istanbul. The views you can get here are breathtaking.
13) Emirgan Park
This park is situated on the European side of the Bosphorus. This park is very well known for its tulips that are in full bloom during April. Like many of the parks in Istanbul this also has a children’s playground.
14) Nakkastepe Garden
This is one of the newer parks in Istanbul. If you are feeling for a picnic then this is a great spot. If you up for a lovely afternoon walk then this park has dedicated pathways that you may walk along.
15) Camlica Hill
Due to the height at which this park is situated, 268 metres, you can get amazing panoramic views of the city.
16) Otagtepe-Fatih Park
This park is on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. This park is mainly for walking, exploring and taking in the scenic views. There are no cafes and restaurants available here nor is picnicking allowed.
17) Sarachane Park
This park is unique in the sense that it is made up of 3 smaller parks. When you visit this park you can expect to see many dog-walkers, joggers, runners and many kids making use of the children’s playground. If you are just feeling tired from all the walking then you can take a well deserved rest here as there are many bench spaces to make use of.
18) KidZania Istanbul
KidZania is a franchise that is in 29 cities, in 22 countries. It’s a place where kids get to try out doing adult careers for the day. They get to play and learn at this interactive space.
Location: Uskudar
Age: Children 0-14 years old
Click here to see a 360 view of how it looks inside the KidZania in Istanbul
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